DIY Festival Maker Faire Tokyo 2015 Report

Family-friendly DIY festival Maker Faire Tokyo 2015 was held on August 1st and 2nd at Tokyo Big Sight.

The event, ran by DIY technology periodical Make, brought together technology lovers, craftsmen, engineers, hobbyists, and artists to create and share unique technological innovations. Including sponsored presentations, the event featured exhibitions and demonstrations from around 350 different presenters.

Despite record-setting temperatures and a recent move to the larger Tokyo Big Sight convention center, 1.5 times larger than the previous venue, Maker Faire Tokyo 2015 was packed to capacity with eager attendees whose enthusiasm pushed the building’s air conditioning to its limit. Thanks to this year’s event falling during summer vacation, the number of presenters and attendees, adults and families alike, was significantly higher than last year’s event.

Movie:https://youtu.be/Ch96sF3zUxU

Underwater LivingUsing a touch sensor placed inside a fish tank full of water, a holographic jellyfish could react to touch and movement. The mysterious presentation added a bit of coolness to the hot convention hall.

This DIY recreation of the Logicoma from “Ghost in the Shell: Arise” is a perfect reproduction, capable of talking, walking, and rolling. Among other functionality, a camera embedded in the Logicoma’s eyeball wirelessly transmits video, and 16 servo motors power its movement. Due to the countless conflicting wireless signals at the event, the Logicoma had to be controlled via a wired connection.

Reverse viewThe Logicoma was created from scratch in 3D CAD software, basing its design on official production documents and blueprints from the anime series. A variety of mechanical parts and wiring were skillfully fit into the Logicoma’s small frame.

Toothpick MarioThis 3D art was created with approximately 14,000 toothpicks.

The wirelessly-controlled ThundrBlade electric inline skates can climb hills with ease. The regenerative brakes, which recharge with use, also make downhill skating safe. When put into action, the skates bring to mind the jet roller dash movement of the mechas from anime series “Armored Trooper Votoms”.

https://youtu.be/JARAxfcvIr0

The iDoll robot doll is capable of movement thanks to its 15 micro motors.

Finally free from gravity, this RC Space Battleship Yamato can be controlled underwater.

Jedi Training DeviceA camera detects the movement of a lightsaber, which has to be swung to deflect blaster shots. The lightsaber has to align with a dot on the screen to count as a hit.